Innovation through Cooperation

Shaping the future together: we are investing in start-ups and relying on open innovation for new ideas and partnerships. Working with our steadily growing network, we are developing digital business models and pioneering technology solutions.

Openness is the key to successful innovation. We invest in much more than just our internal innovation potential to facilitate the development of promising innovations in our business units. We rely on open collaboration and open innovation – cooperating with external partners such as start-ups or other partners from our ecosystem to develop and drive ideas forward together, to inspire each other, and to provide mutual support. Our incubator teams and tech & digital innovation hubs help us to achieve this, coupled with our expertise in the field of venture capital.

OPEN INNOVATION INITIATIVES

We seek active cooperation and partnerships with start-ups in consumer and industrial sectors. A key factor for success is cooperation on an equal footing: we want to combine the best of two worlds to create a win-win situation for both sides. In addition to specific projects, Henkel receives important input, fresh ideas and new food for thought. Start-ups, on the other hand, can gain access to global markets, entrepreneurial know-how and the opportunity for investment. To accelerate digital innovations, we have developed our own idea factories. We also rely on tech & digital innovation hubs as centers for innovation for our digital transformation.

LOVE NATURE

Love Nature GmbH takes care of sustainable innovation in the Consumer Brands business. This idea factory is where innovative and environmentally friendly laundry detergents and cleaning products are co-created with consumers, sustainability influencers, and sustainability experts. Their shared goal is to continuously develop the market and provide new sustainability boosts through innovation. For example, all Love Nature products are plant-based, refillable and all bear the EU Ecolabel.

DIRECT-C

Henkel Adhesive Technologies strengthens its capabilities for predictive maintenance solutions by investing in Direct-C LTD, Edmonton, Canada. The company has developed a sophisticated sensor technology for the early detection of hydrocarbon leakages. With the investment Henkel aims to further expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul ‏(MRO) business and to drive the implementation of innovative digital applications.

CORPORATE VENTURING

Got a good idea? As part of our corporate venture capital activities, we invest in young, high-growth start-ups with digital or technological expertise all around the world. If the concept suits Henkel, then the start-ups receive investment, access to our network of experts, and benefit from our many years of experience in our core global businesses. Henkel has two venture units that act as an interface between Henkel and the external innovators: Henkel Tech Ventures and Henkel dx Ventures.

Henkel Ventures

At Henkel Ventures, we provide funding combined with strategic partnerships that drive innovation and unlock growth. Our mission is to connect visionary entrepreneurs with value-driven capital and a powerful global ecosystem, fostering impactful co-innovation.

Features & Stories

Understanding change, shaping the future

Pursuing innovation is like being strapped into a pitch-black rollercoaster. Once someone grabs onto an idea, they are in it through every twist and turn – without knowing when the next one is going to hit. Sometimes the ride comes to a jerking halt and ends with the innovator feeling a major headache. But sometimes the ride ends, and the innovator feels invigorated and ready to go around a second time.

Henkel has invested in the medical technology start-up Smartz that has developed an end-to-end solution for smart diapers.

Jan 6, 2022 - Press Release

Henkel invests in medical technology start-up Smartz AG

Henkel Adhesive Technologies further strengthens its capabilities for the growing demand of smart adult care solutions by investing in Smartz AG ‏(Smartz), a medical technology start-up headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Smartz has developed an end-to-end-solution for diapers that improves the quality of life for adults while at the same time effectively supporting care and medical personnel as well as reducing costs and increasing the service level in care facilities. Both companies already have signed a joint marketing and joint development agreement earlier this year to combine Henkel´s printed electronics expertise with the adult care Internet of Things ‏(IoT) hardware and software solutions of the start-up. With the investment, Henkel aims to strengthen this partnership and to drive the development of additional innovative adult care applications in the future.

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Oct 28, 2021 - Press Release

Henkel further invests in the start-up LoveLocal from India

Henkel participates in a funding round in the Indian start-up LoveLocal to further strengthen its direct-to-consumer expertise. The investment in LoveLocal under the umbrella of Henkel dx Ventures helps the company to gain insights about the retail markets and consumer behavior in emerging market.

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